Discovery

Initial Design Consultation: We will meet with you on-site to discuss your vision and propose a few ideas of our own. This is also a time to talk through your budget and begin to explore the scope of your project. We charge a flat fee for our Initial Design Consultation which will be credited towards your conceptual design.

Conceptual Design Proposal: Within one week of the Initial Design Consultation we will email you a Conceptual Design Proposal, which will outline the vision for your Conceptual Design based on the ideas your shared with us at our Initial Design Consultation, a Conceptual Design fee, and a price range for your project.

Proposal Acceptance: If the Conceptual Design Proposal meets your expectations, we will begin to design the details.

Design

Conceptual Design Presentation: Within 8 to 10 weeks we will present a Conceptual Design based on our collaborative vision for your landscape outlined in the Conceptual Design Proposal. This will include a scaled drawing of your design and visual aides like 3D modeling, sketches, and slideshow imagery. This will also be accompanied by a detailed cost estimate.

Conceptual Design Revisions: We’re excited to hear from you! What do you like about the Conceptual Design Presentation? What would you like to change? The design phase of any Tree of Life project is critical for laying the foundation of the rest of the project, and we want it to be perfect.

Second Conceptual Design Presentation: After revisions have been made to the design, we will send you the edited design and estimate. From here, we will either make more revisions to meet your vision or move to the the construction phase of your project.

Plant Specific Design: Until this point, the designs will only provide a general idea of trees, shrubs and perennials. Before the construction can begin, we will create a plant-specific design for your project, and we will meet with you to review the design.

Construction

Demolition & Site Preparation: Construction begins by preparing the site. Old construction may need to be removed to lay new foundations for your project.

Irrigation: Once we prepare the site, we will install any necessary plumbing, electrical, and gas.

Install: This is the fun part. You will see your vision come to life!

Delivery

Final Walk-Through: We will walk the project with you to make sure that every detail matches your vision.

Irrigation Stewardship: We’ll check on your garden weekly or biweekly in the first couple of months to manage the watering and to make sure everything looks healthy.

Provision of “As Built” Document: There are always slight modifications during the Irrigation and Install phases of any project. An "As Built" Document details these subtle construction differences so that you know exactly where water, gas, and electrical lines were buried. This documentation is helpful for future construction and maintenance.

Maintenance & Adjustments: All products and plants have specific warranties. If any aspect of your project doesn’t meet your expectations, we will return and fix it. In the spring of the year following your project, we will come out and replace any plants that have died (excluding plant deaths due to weather, natural disasters, wildlife).

Our Landscape Design Process

We follow a collaborative, plant-driven landscape design process rooted in a design build landscaping approach that keeps vision, budget and timeline aligned from day one. Based in Boulder and North Denver, we tailor every outdoor space to Colorado’s climate, architecture and lifestyle. From the first landscape design consultation through construction and delivery, our four phases—Discovery, Design, Construction and Delivery—move you from big-picture goals to a finished landscape that thrives.

Project Timeline At A Glance

Landscape design consultation: On-site visit to align on goals, style, scope and budget.
Proposal within 1 week: Clear scope, fee schedule and next steps to begin design.
Conceptual design in 8–10 weeks: Preliminary plans, planting concepts and materials palettes.
Construction: Scheduling follows final design approval and permitting; build timelines vary by scope and season.

Explore our residential projects and commercial projects to see how this timeline comes to life.

Landscape Design Consultation: What To Expect

Your landscape design consultation is a working session at your property. We listen, walk the site, note opportunities and constraints, and talk budget and phasing. We’ll discuss HOA requirements, access, sunlight, drainage, and architectural context so the design feels native to your home or business. You’ll leave with a clear sense of feasibility, next steps and how our design build landscaping team will guide you from concept to completion.

Discovery
Discovery sets the foundation for everything that follows in our landscape design process.

Site Walk And Goals
We document existing conditions, priorities, and the must-haves you shared. We discuss maintenance preferences, water use goals, and any sustainability targets such as xeriscape or habitat support.

Budget And Feasibility
We talk candidly about budget ranges and value-engineering options. For ballparks and planning tips, see our cost guide blog. If a phased approach makes sense, we outline it here.

Proposal Within One Week
Within one week of your consultation, we provide a written proposal detailing scope, design fees, anticipated schedule and deliverables so you can confidently green-light the work.

Our Landscape Architect Process, Simplified

We map out a clear path—programming, concept, refinement and documentation—so you understand how each milestone builds on the last. This transparent landscape architect process helps minimize surprises later.

Design
Design transforms ideas into drawings, materials and plant palettes that are ready to build.

Conceptual Design (8–10 Weeks)
Over 8–10 weeks we develop site plans, preliminary grading, hardscape layouts and conceptual planting. We align on style, materials, and how spaces connect: entries, patios, pathways, gardens and gathering areas.

Plant-Driven Design
We prioritize plant communities that love Colorado’s climate. Our plant-driven design balances seasonal color, structure, habitat and water-wise performance. If low-water is a priority, we incorporate regionally appropriate xeric palettes.

Revisions And Final Plan
We review options, incorporate your feedback, and finalize construction documents. Deliverables may include layout plans, planting plans, lighting and materials specifications, and a preliminary build schedule.

Design Build Landscaping Coordination
Throughout design, our construction team reviews details for constructability and budget alignment. This is the power of design build landscaping—fewer handoffs, clearer pricing, and smoother transitions into the field.

Construction
Our in-house crews and trusted trade partners bring the plan to life with craftsmanship and care.

Pre-Construction And Permitting

We confirm utilities, coordinate permits, and align on access and staging. A dedicated project manager is your point of contact from start to finish.

Utilities & Irrigation
We install or upgrade plumbing, electrical and gas for features like outdoor kitchens, fire elements, lighting and water features. Efficient smart irrigation is designed to match plant zones and microclimates.

Hardscapes, Lighting And Structures
We build patios, walls, steps, decks, fences and pergolas with attention to drainage, longevity and finish details. Lighting extends use and safety while preserving night sky principles.

Planting And Finishes
Soils are amended for long-term plant health. We set trees and shrubs carefully, install perennials and groundcovers, and top-dress with mulch or gravel. Final details and clean-up prepare your space for handoff.

Delivery
Delivery includes a thorough walkthrough and care guidance so your new landscape thrives.

Walkthrough And Care Guide

We tour the site together, review systems, and share seasonal care notes tailored to your plants and materials. For ongoing best practices, bookmark our xeriscape maintenance blog.

Warranty And Follow-Up

We review warranty terms for plants and workmanship and schedule any post-install check-ins needed to fine-tune irrigation or address punch-list items.

Ready to start your project? Visit our contact page to schedule your landscape design consultation.

What To Have Ready Before Your Consultation

Budget range you’re comfortable investing, plus any phasing goals. Our cost guide blog can help you prepare.
HOA guidelines, architectural standards and submittal timelines.
Recent survey or plat showing property lines, easements and any utility information.
Photos or inspiration that capture styles, colors and features you love.
Must-haves and nice-to-haves: seating, shade, play, pets, edibles, lighting, water features, or accessibility needs.
Any drainage, grading or irrigation issues you’ve noticed.
Preferred timeline, event dates, or constraints that affect scheduling.

The Landscape Architect Process In A Design Build Landscaping Model

We blend a classic landscape architect process—programming, concept, refinement and documentation—with an integrated construction team. This model keeps design intent, quality and costs aligned because the same experts who draw the details also build them. The result is fewer change orders, faster feedback, and a smoother experience from consultation through delivery.

FAQ

Is The Landscape Design Consultation Fee Credited Toward Design?
Yes. If you move forward with design after the landscape design consultation, we credit the consultation fee toward your design contract. Details are outlined in your proposal.

How Long Does A Full Design Build Landscaping Project Take?
Timelines vary by scope and season. Typical cadence: consultation, proposal within one week, conceptual design in 8–10 weeks, then construction scheduling after approvals and permitting. Small projects can build in a few weeks; larger outdoor living projects may span multiple months or planned phases.

Do You Work With HOAs?
Absolutely. We prepare submittal-ready plans and can coordinate with your HOA or property manager to streamline approvals. Sharing guidelines before design helps us hit the mark the first time.

What Does The Plant Warranty Cover?
We provide a standard one-year warranty on plants we install when our care and irrigation guidelines are followed, excluding loss from extreme weather, wildlife, vandalism or neglect. Warranty specifics are included in your contract, and we review them at Delivery.

Do You Offer Ongoing Maintenance After Delivery?
We offer optional seasonal check-ins and can connect you with trusted maintenance partners for ongoing care. For DIY guidance and water-wise care tips, explore our xeriscape maintenance blog.

Have questions or ready to get on our schedule? Reach out via our contact page to book your landscape design consultation today.